Region | Iraq
Baghdad prepares for 'a decisive' campaign against Al Qaida
The road to Diyala province, about 57km east of Baghdad, is increasingly busy as Iraqi and US military convoys flock to the restless area in preparation of a massive "security operation" against Al Qaida terror network, Iraqi officials told Gulf News.
- By Basil Adas, Correspondent
- Published: 17:23 July 15, 2008
Baghdad: The road to Diyala province, about 57km east of Baghdad, is increasingly busy as Iraqi and US military convoys flock to the restless area in preparation of a massive "security operation" against Al Qaida terror network, Iraqi officials told Gulf News.
"The goal of the operation, involving nearly two brigades, is the elimination of Al Qaida leaders," said Sarhan Al Abadi, an intelligence officer in the Iraqi army.
He revealed that intelligence information has confirmed that the leader of the so-called 'Al Qaida in Mesopotamia,' Abu Ayub Al Masri, also known as Abu Hamza Al Muhajir and his key military assistants are currently in one of the Diyala villages.
If the planned campaign managed to eliminate those wanted men, "that would lead to the almost total collapse of this organization and pave the way for us to declare victory over terrorism," the officer said.
But analysts say the campaign could well be just part of a psychological war against armed groups, with no significant results on the ground. They point at similar previous military operations in Diyala and Nineveh provinces.
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